Humanities
In the humanities we study human culture. This includes the study of history, philosophy, language, arts and media. The task of the humanities is not only to study culture, its history, and the human expressions it produces, but also the mechanisms and processes through which culture is connected to social reality. At UCG we focus on the ways in which insights in culture can be used to bring about social change. Areas of study we cover are: media and technology, gender, the arts, history, the public sphere, philosophy, culture and cognition.
"There is a growing awareness of the importance of the perspectives that the Humanities have to offer in creating more sustainable futures for ourselves and the world we live in. To realise this potential, meaningful connections are being made to the sciences and social sciences in for example the fields of climate change, migration, technology and AI". Dr. Marlieke Wilders - Cluster Coordinator
The Humanities major offers, among others, expertise in the following two fields of study:
Philosophy
In this field of study, you'll delve into the nature of truth, meaning, rationality, reality, and values. You'll explore human dilemmas through a philosophical lens, grappling with questions such as: What does it mean to act morally good? What does it mean to act and think rationally? What is the meaning of "truth," and what makes a true statement true? What is a logically valid argument? What distinguishes science-based claims from others? Is there an objective reality?
Key subjects include ethics, philosophy of language, aesthetics, political philosophy, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, philosophy of science, and philosophy of technology. Embark on a journey to understand the fundamental aspects of human existence and thought.
Courses in Philosophy inlcude, but are not limited to, Ethics, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Meaning and Truth in Language and Art, Political Philosophy, and Existential Risks.
Opportunities for future studies
Students who focus their studies on Philosophy have opportunities to continue to master programmes in fields like philosophy, or gender studies, but there are also many other options, depending on your interests and focus points.
If you have completed at least 60 ECTS in UCG Philosophy courses and related UCG courses from other fields of study, you meet the basic requirements for admission to the MA in Philosophy at the University of Gronigen.
Culture and Literature
In this field of study, you'll dive into the rich complexity of human culture and literature. As cultural beings, everything we do—from technology and the arts to politics and science—is shaped by our cultural context. Students can also focus on literature specifically, which is an especially relevant and influential part of culture. Within the field of Culture and Literature, you'll explore questions like: How do cultures differ across history and around the world? How do media and technology shape our lives, thoughts, and politics? Can we understand current democratic challenges by exploring their historical roots? What role do narratives and myths play in the public sphere?
Courses include, but are not limited to, Cultural Criticism, Leadership in Culture, Myths we Live by, World Literature, Artivism, Music in Culture, and Dystopias.
Opportunities for future studies
Students who focus their studies on Culture and Literature have opportunities to continue to master programmes in the fields of, for example, Literature, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, or Gender Studies.
At the University of Groningen, these opportunities include to acccess the MA in European Studies (“Euroculture”) and a Research master in Arts & Culture.
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| Last modified: | 07 May 2025 11.31 a.m. |